Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:37:00-1:37:43

What an upgraded R class could still do at 23 knots

An improved R-class battleship would remain slow beside fast capital ships, but roughly 23 knots and eight 15-inch guns could still make it useful for convoy and fleet duties.

Convoy EscortNaval RefitsRevenge Class BattleshipsRoyal NavyShip Speed
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Question

Would an upgraded R-class battleship still be too slow for useful fleet work?

Short answer

It would remain slow, but about 23 knots and a full 15-inch battery could support convoy escort and selected fleet operations.

Notes

Improved boilers might have brought Royal Oak to about 23 knots. That speed still points naturally toward convoy escort, but it would not confine the ship to that duty alone. A commander might accept slowing Queen Elizabeth-class ships to gain another heavy 15-inch battery. The choice would trade formation speed for firepower.